Broadcast Asia 2014: Grass Valley Introduces Gateway to IP

Grass Valley, a Belden Brand, paves the way to an IP-based future with the new NVISION 8500 IP Gateway, IRG-3401 IP Gateway and the Kaleido-IP X310 at Broadcast Asia 2014.

The introduction of the new NVISION 8500 IP Gateway input/output card takes Grass Valley’s well-established IP presence in multiviewer, ingest, playout, modular and monitoring products to even broader heights. The NVISION 8500 IP Gateway converts and packetizes real-time, uncompressed, baseband video for multi-directional transport over 10 Gb Ethernet networks. SDI signals are then packetized, and can be readily distributed from rack-to-rack, truck-to-truck or between floors, buildings or campuses—over an IP network. Frame-accurate switching from SDI to IP guarantees signal integrity and the non-blocking architecture of the cards ensures access to all crosspoints within the NVISION 8500 Series router.

Existing NVISION 8500 routers can be easily upgraded to support the new card.10 GbE Ethernet tie lines between core and production island routers enable any IP Gateway-equipped NVISION 8500 router to establish a straightforward transformation to high-speed networking for data and content transport.

“The beauty of the NVISION 8500 IP Gateway card is that it enables broadcasters to make the IP transition with no loss of service, and provides the flexibility to change as and when communications standards and requirements evolve,” said Stephen Wong, senior vice president, Asia Pacific, Grass Valley.

Also featuring as an IP-transition enabler is the new IRG-3401 IP Gateway, a high density, bi-directional DVB-ASI/IP gateway—the densest IP gateway available. Handling up to 120 gateways in a single 3 RU frame, the IRG-3401 has thousands of potential applications, including IP jitter removal, a vital quality of service factor in network performance.

Of course, if you’re transitioning to an IP infrastructure, monitoring is essential. The latest version of Grass Valley’s Kaleido-IP X310 multiviewer—with the highest density in its class—extends the level of monitoring support for this platform to 128 SD or 64 HD programs with double the number of simultaneous audio and video decodes as its predecessor, but at half the size.

“Any broadcast infrastructure requires the solid, reliable performance of its components, but with traditional SDI-based facilities there is the potential for multiple points of failure as a myriad of technologies try to work together,” said Wong.

“However, a properly specified IP-based infrastructure not only substantially reduces the potential for costly errors, but vastly improves productivity, efficiency and flexibility. Our deep experience in IP is incorporated in these new products and solutions in such a way that makes the transition—in part because interoperability from a single supplier is guaranteed—not only painless, but highly attractive.”

Brazil’s TV Serra Dourada Turns to Grass Valley for Flexible Camera Solution
Grass Valley is providing Brazil’s TV Serra Dourada with a flexible new camera setup that includes seven LDX Flex advanced imaging cameras and seven Elite XCU (eXchangeable Control Unit) base stations with triax transmission as part of the station’s new HD news production workflow.

TV Serra Dourada broadcasts news, weather and other timely information across Goiânia to millions of viewers. In choosing a new camera system, the station wanted a solution that was flexible, allowed for creative movement, and one that met its budgetary requirements with the ability to be upgraded over time.

“We were simply looking for the most cost-effective and usable camera technology on the market, which is undoubtedly the LDX Flex coupled with the XCU,” remarked Sebastião Claudino, engineering manager, TV Serra Dourada. “The cameras have a low cost of ownership and they deliver superior image quality and performance. Plus, with the removable XCU base stations, we can minimize operational costs and streamline reconfiguration for each production. And when we’re ready to upgrade, our cameras will be ready too.”

A cost-effective acquisition camera, the LDX Flex is the entry-level offering in Grass Valley’s LDX Series of advanced imaging cameras that also includes the LDX Première, LDX Elite and LDX WorldCam. The LDX Flex offers single format 1080i or 720p acquisition, delivers the same high-quality images and performance and uses the same accessories as its LDX counterparts. A simple and easy upgrade advances it to the next camera in the range, on either a temporary 7-day time frame or perpetually.

The unique cradle system of the XCU base station can be pre-mounted and pre-wired in the rack, eliminating cabling errors when base stations are moved, while providing on-demand resources for fast-paced productions like TV Serra Dourada’s news production.

“Our LDX range has been well received by broadcasters around the world because it is simply the best camera platform available,” saidAlberto Santana, channel sales manager, Brazil, Grass Valley. “We designed the LDX Flex to combine business flexibility, operational excellence and outstanding image performance so that broadcasters like TV Serra Dourada can cover any type of production and stay within their budget.”